China hinted today at a potential increase in its defence budget, already the world’s second-largest after the United States, emphasizing that peace and sovereignty require robust military strength. The announcement comes ahead of Wednesday’s unveiling of the annual budget by Premier Li Qiang at the National People’s Congress (NPC), where defence spending details will be revealed.

In 2024, China boosted its defence allocation by 7.2%, reaching approximately USD 232 billion (1.67 trillion yuan)—more than triple India’s military budget. This escalation reflects Beijing’s ongoing push to modernize its armed forces, a process that has seen rapid advancements in recent years. The People’s Liberation Army has been expanding its capabilities with new aircraft carriers, cutting-edge naval vessels, and advanced stealth fighters, fueling global speculation about the true scale of its military investments.

NPC spokesperson Lou Qinjian defended the expenditure during a media briefing, asserting that "peace needs to be safeguarded with strength." He argued that a formidable military enables China to protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests while fulfilling its role as a major global power in maintaining world stability. Lou also claimed that China’s defence spending, as a percentage of GDP, remains below the global average, staying under 1.5% for years and maintaining single-digit growth since 2016.

However, analysts often question the transparency of China’s reported figures, given the pace and scope of its military modernization. The construction of a third aircraft carrier, alongside the development of hypersonic weapons and a growing nuclear arsenal, suggests expenditures may exceed official estimates. As tensions simmer in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly over Taiwan and the South China Sea, China’s military buildup continues to draw scrutiny.